Canon SX120 IS vs Canon SX170 IS

In this write-up, we will be analyzing the Canon SX120 IS and Canon SX170 IS, former is a Small Sensor Compact while the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both of them are built by Canon. There exists a considerable gap between the sensor resolutions of the SX120 IS (10MP) and SX170 IS (16MP) and the SX120 IS (1/2.5") and SX170 IS (1/2.3") use different sensor size.

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The SX120 IS was brought out 5 years prior to the SX170 IS which is quite a large difference as far as technology is concerned. Both of these cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before getting through a full comparison, below is a short highlight of how the SX120 IS grades against the SX170 IS for portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Canon PowerShot SX120 IS & Canon PowerShot SX170 IS. The entire galleries are available at Canon SX120 IS Gallery & Canon SX170 IS Gallery.

In case you're aiming to carry around your camera often, you need to factor its weight and dimensions. The Canon SX120 IS has outside dimensions of 111mm x 71mm x 45mm (4.4" x 2.8" x 1.8") accompanied by a weight of 285 grams (0.63 lbs) whilst the Canon SX170 IS has dimensions of 108mm x 71mm x 44mm (4.3" x 2.8" x 1.7") along with a weight of 251 grams (0.55 lbs).

Compare the Canon SX120 IS and Canon SX170 IS in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you are utilizing at the time. Underneath is the front view over all size comparison of the SX120 IS versus the SX170 IS.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the SX120 IS and SX170 IS is 87 and 88 respectively.

More often than not, it's difficult to picture the contrast between sensor sizes simply by looking at specifications. The picture here will help give you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the SX120 IS and SX170 IS.

Plainly, the 2 cameras enjoy different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The SX120 IS because of its tinier sensor is going to make getting shallower DOF more challenging and the Canon SX170 IS will give extra detail having its extra 6 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also make it easier to crop pictures far more aggressively. The more aged SX120 IS is going to be behind when it comes to sensor tech.